Leica M8 vs Pentax I-10

In this write-up, we are evaluating the Leica M8 vs Pentax I-10, former being a Pro Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Leica and Pentax. The image resolution of the M8 (10MP) and the I-10 (12MP) is fairly similar but the M8 (APS-H) and I-10 (1/2.3") feature different sensor size.

Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards

The M8 was introduced 3 years before the I-10 and that is quite a big difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Leica M8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax I-10 being a Compact camera.

Before delving in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the M8 scores vs the I-10 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Leica M8 & Pentax Optio I-10. The whole galleries are available at Leica M8 Gallery & Pentax I-10 Gallery.

When you are going to lug around your camera often, you should factor its weight and proportions. The Leica M8 features outside measurements of 139mm x 80mm x 37mm (5.5" x 3.1" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 591 grams (1.30 lbs) whilst the Pentax I-10 has measurements of 101mm x 65mm x 28mm (4.0" x 2.6" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 153 grams (0.34 lbs).

Analyze the Leica M8 vs Pentax I-10 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are employing at the time. Underneath is the front view over all size comparison of the M8 versus the I-10.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the M8 and I-10 is 79 and 93 respectively.

Quite often, its tough to picture the difference between sensor measurements simply by going over a spec sheet. The graphic underneath might provide you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the M8 and I-10.

As you can see, both the cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The M8 with its larger sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF easier and the Pentax I-10 will deliver more detail using its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop photos a little more aggressively. The older M8 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.